The lateness of the move prevented Everton from reinvesting the £10million they got for their star player until the turn of the year.

Arteta, hopes the fans forgive and forget next Wednesday and focus instead on all he gave to the club while there.

He said: “I can’t wait to go there, and I hope I’ll get a good reception because I gave Everton everything I had in my time there and I love the club. Everyone there was great to me and, even though I left, hopefully people understood.

“There’s no reason for any of us to be unhappy with each other.”

I can’t wait to go there, and I hope I’ll get a good reception because I gave Everton everything

Mikel Arteta

Arteta, 29, admitted it will be strange to run out at Goodison for a rival club.

“Visiting Everton next week will be special for me,” said Arteta.

“It’s going to be weird to sit in the other changing room, warming up in the opposite half of the pitch and having the crowd against us. I just want to enjoy it.”

Arsenal yesterday announced they would play in Hong Kong for the first time in 17 years as part of the club’s pre-season Asia tour.

They will take on Hong Kong champions Kitchee FC at the Hong Kong Stadium on Sunday, July 29.